While McCaffrey's oft-publicized touchdown streak may have been snapped at 17 against Jacksonville, his touchdown totals have made him the uncontested leader in two important San Francisco franchise records.
First, McCaffrey's 11 rushing touchdowns in 2023 have set a new 49ers franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a player in one season. He breaks a logjam at what was once the top of the record books—five 49ers players had rushed for 10 scores in a season, including Frank Gore (2009), Derek Loville (1995), Ricky Watters (1993), Billy Kilmer (1961), J.D. Smith (1959), and Joe Perry (1953, 1948).
Second, McCaffrey's 16 total touchdowns represent a new high-water mark for any 49ers running back. Roger Craig, one of San Francisco's all-time great tailbacks, previously led with 15 overall touchdowns in 1985. He's trailed by Frank Gore (2009) and Derek Loville (1995), who put up 13 combined scores in their respective peak years.
What makes McCaffrey's total special is the fact that he achieved it in just 11 games (12 weeks). The last time a full NFL season amounted to that many games and weeks was 1946—two years before Joe 'The Jet' Perry broke into the record books with his rushing touchdowns. That McCaffrey has accomplished so much in so short a span is nothing short of incredible. With six games remaining in the 2023 season, McCaffrey and the Niners have a chance to build on a franchise record that may remain unchallenged for decades.
Still, McCaffrey has a ways to go before he breaks his own single-season touchdown record of 19, set back in 2019. And even now, "Run CMC" has a steep hill to climb if he wants to challenge any all-time single season records, trailing LaDainian Tomlinson's 31 TD mark set back in 2006. Currently, McCaffrey is on pace to end the season with 24 total scores, which would place him sixth all-time, tied with Priest Holmes (2002) and John Riggins (1983). Only Emmet Smith (25, 1995), Marshall Faulk (26, 2000), Holmes again (27, 2003), Shaun Alexander (28, 2005), and the aforementioned Tomlinson have recorded more.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Mac Jones has no regrets about his contract decision
Mac Jones could have positioned himself for a sizable payday this offseason had he signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers instead of the two-year contract he agreed to last year. After spending a season under head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, the veteran... -
49ers veteran assesses young D-linemen CJ West, Gracen Halton
San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton, a fourth-round draft pick, was already familiar with his new teammate, Osa Odighizuwa, before arriving in Santa Clara. As he prepares for the 2026 season, Halton hopes to learn from the veteran defensive lineman and... -
49ers' George Kittle gushes over Mike Evans' early impact
As Mike Evans approached free agency, the prospect of joining the San Francisco 49ers intrigued him. Before making his decision, the veteran wide receiver reached out to tight end George Kittle, who has spent his entire NFL career with the organization. Kittle gave Evans a... -
Dez Bryant: Arrest warrant for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk an attempt to 'smear his name'
An arrest warrant has been issued for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed after he posted a video in December showing himself driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph near Levi's Stadium. The incident occurred during a...